News Article

Churchill Brothers try to halt their losing streak against East Bengal in I-League

The Red Machines will be looking to surprise the Kolkata giants after facing defeats in the first two matches...

After suffering back-to-back defeats in the first two matches against Mohun Bagan and Mumbai FC, Churchill Brothers are looking to open their points tally when they will face East Bengal at Tilak Maidan, Vasco tomorrow.

The visitors have four points after two matches as they were held to a draw by Aizwal FC in the opening encounter and later edged out DSK Shivajians in Pune.

At the other end, the hosts Churchill are falling short of goals even after producing a brilliant performance in midfield. Their Trinidadian striker Anthony Wolfe lacks pace, while his control over the ball is also poor. The Red Machine coach Alfred Fernandes will have to find other options in their strategy if they are to beat the Red & Gold brigade

Team News

Churchill coach Fernandes will have an extra option in the midfield and in the defence as the club has signed Fulganco Cardozo and Richard Costa to strengthen their squad. The Goan club is also trying to complete the signing of Kyrgyzstan midfielder Bektur Talgat. So, if his signing is completed before the match, the coach Fernandes might think of his inclusion to boost up their midfield.

Whereas, East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan is likely to field the same XI which earned him maximum points in Pune against Shivajians.

Head-to-Head

The Red Machines have the better record over East Bengal, as from the last 26 encounters between them; the Goan club have won 11 times compared to Kolkata club’s 8 wins over Churchill, while seven matches were settled for draws.

Man to Watch

Adil Khan- Churchill Brothers SC: It looks like the defensive midfielder has settled in at centre-back as he has won the Man of the Match award in his last match against Mumbai FC. Adil was brilliant with his performance in the entire match and his energy never dropped. Like in the first match, Adil was dominant in the aerial duels and equally clinical in clearing the ball. If Churchill are hoping to beat the high-flying East Bengal, Adil once again has to repeat his performance against the Red and Gold brigade.

Willis Plaza–East Bengal: Trinidadian international striker who has represented his nation 23 times is one of the clinical strikers in the league. He is a tricky forward who can play with the ball at his feet and can also drift any side when needed. Plaza quick and clinical in front of goal and has already shown a glimse of it in the last match against Shivajians by scoring a goal.